Describes a search strategy method for bibliographic instruction in academic libraries that includes the major types of bibliographic tools and the prescribed sequence in which to use them. The strategy begins with dictionaries and encyclopedias, progresses through bibliographies and subject guides, and ends with periodicals and books. (five…

Discusses problems with the growth and development of public libraries in Nigeria. Highlights include low patronage; lack of current materials; lack of trained personnel; inadequate funding; and suggestions for improvement, including the involvement of multinational organizations in funding. (Author/LRW)

Introduces content locality--the degree to which content-similar documents are colocated in a distributed collection--in distributed digital libraries. Proposes two metrics for measurement of content locality, one based on topic signatures and the other based on collection statistics. Provides derivations and analysis of both metrics and uses them…

A report by the Commission on Preservation and Access and the Research Libraries Group (May 1996) recommends a certification process for digital archives and calls for a legal authority to rescue digital files in danger of being lost. Reactions of the library, archival, and educational communities are reviewed and current actions being taken are…

Discusses obsolescence as a criterion for libraries to use when selecting journals and suggests topicality of the research theme that has been cited in subsequent years as a better variable. Describes the use of the Rasch model as a measuring instrument and compares rank order using the two methods. (LRW)

Reviews the general issues associated with electronic journals and illustrates them with references to the products and projects that are available in the United Kingdom. Discusses issues for librarians, including costs and licensing; and issues for the information industry, including publisher competencies, peer review, and pricing structures.…

Discusses the digitization of culturally significant library materials based on evaluations at the Council on Library and Information Resources. Highlights include a definition of digital information; preservation questions, including authenticity and integrity; access to information, including the World Wide Web and copyright issues; and digital…

Argues that a national preservation effort is needed to protect Catholic newspapers. Discusses the American Theological Library Association, the Center for Research Libraries, the Catholic Archives of Texas, the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center, as well as digital preservation efforts and grant possibilities. (AEF)

Views assessment of "Costs of Electronic Reference Resources" both in a general descriptive framework and within the context of a specific model for costing of library operations and services called LCM, the Library Costing Model. Examples of costing data uses are provided, and categories of costs are related to types of electronic…

Describes a project at the Yale University library to survey the duplicate and negative microfilm collection before transferring it to a new facility. Discusses issues relating to bibliographic control and explains the resulting changes in microfilm cataloging and processing routines. (LRW)

Reports on two pilot studies conducted in the United Kingdom, one at a university library and one at a public library, that investigated the use of electronic books. Both studies raised concerns regarding the usability of the products and conclude that improvements are needed in terms of portability, readability, and navigability. (LRW)

Discussion of controversial fiction for older children and young adults focuses on two main issues: the relocation of controversial material, and why material is challenged. Includes a list of books that were challenged in schools and public libraries in the U.S. and Canada from 1984-1999. (LRW)

This article explores the potential and reality of using the academic library Web site to market library resources and services, for fundraising, and to market special events. It explores such issues as the placement of a link to academic libraries from institutional home pages and the use of a library Web site to include links to news, exhibits,…

Librarians, university press publishers, and scholars, find themselves at an unusually stimulating and challenging time in the history of these respective professions. The forces of technology, and privatization are changing the nature of their work environment, even as their fundamental mission remains, for now, the same. Committed as they both…

Introduction: In developing their professional competence, those who are interested in the practice of continuing medical education (CME) should recognize the knowledge base that defines their field. This study systematically identifies and organizes a list of books and journals comprising a core library (100 books/15 journals) for CME…